Iran Sets Conditions for Reopening Strait of Hormuz Amid US Missile Depletion

Iran has set six conditions for the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed since last month. The Strait is a critical waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and allows oil tankers to pass through.

In a press conference, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that negotiations with Oman to reopen the strait are 'close to an agreement.' However, he emphasized that opening the strait is only possible if the United States meets several requirements, including compensation for its violation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The MOU was signed last month between the US and Iran, which agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz. However, both sides have been blaming each other for violating the agreement.

Iran has demanded that the US lift its counter-blockade, sanctions exemptions on Iranian oil exports, and release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds. Additionally, the Supreme National Security Council has set six conditions, including lifting the US counter-blockade, withdrawing US forces from waters around Iran, payment of war reparations, release of frozen Iranian assets, and a halt to attacks on Iran-linked groups in the region.

The US believes that it is Iran that violated the MOU first. The agreement under discussion between Iran and Oman includes a provision that vessels entering the Persian Gulf use the Iranian-side route and are controlled by Iran.